The Hartley House History

The Keenan-Hartley House has been in Los Olivos for more than a hundred years. It is considered a historical landmark. It was built between 1880 and 1882. What makes the house a historical landmark is that it was among the earliest houses to be built in the area and is supposed to be the first house built in Los Olivos. John Keenan, one of the pioneer settlers of Los Olivos, built it as a farmhouse on a 55.88 acre ranch. The house is also important because it hadn't been altered or modified.

The interior of the house holds as much historical interest as does the outside, for the details reflected the style of the pioneer dwellings.It has only recently been bought and moved, though it is still in Los Olivos.

 by Jade

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The Hartley House today

Adam Firestone president of Los Olivos Vineyard and Winery Company has

taken on the project of restoring the Hartley House. Firestone thinks of the house as a

treasure, a neat old house that is representative of that era---rural, non fashionable kind of pioneer.

Firestone has moved the house behind Mattei's Tavern complex. Deputy County Counsel Alan Seltzer and

Alan Seltzer and Al McCurdy of the County Planning Department were singled out by Firestone as

"heroes" in the process.

The moving of the Hartley House was a major step and now restoration is taking place. They are planning

to turn it into a historical landmark because it is the oldest house in the area. It will also be used as offices

and apartments.

 by Jamie